Why Anyang' Nyong’o’s running mate will not vote in Kisumu

Kisumu ODM gubernatorial candidate Anyang’ Nyong’o will not benefit from his running mate Mathews Owili’s vote in the August 8 elections, the Nation has established.

Dr Owili, the Nation has confirmed, is not a registered voter in Kisumu County.

He is registered in Kibra constituency, Nairobi County, but has been criss-crossing Kisumu to drum up support for Senator Nyong’o.

According to information obtained from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Dr Owili is registered as a voter at the Medical Training School polling station in Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course Ward in Nairobi County.

PROPAGANDA

There is, however, no cause for alarm as the Constitution allows citizens to vie for a political seat anywhere in the country so long as they are registered as voters.

On Tuesday, Dr Owili described as propaganda claims that he is not a registered voter in Kisumu.

“That is an IEBC issue. It has no basis in law,” Dr Owili said.

He pointed out that he first heard of the “rumour” over his voter registration on social media.

IEBC

“There are several things said in the social media that are untrue,” he added.

Kisumu County has 539,210 registered voters, according to the latest statistics from the IEBC.

Prof Nyong’o, who unveiled his manifesto in Kisumu last week, will face off with, among others, incumbent Governor Jack Ranguma (independent), David Wayiera (Alternative Leadership Party of Kenya) and Atieno Otieno (Jubilee Party).

The senator vowed to establish a functioning city management board and appoint an ethical manager to run it effectively.